Uh Huh Her is a pretty picture on paper: Its face is the well-dressed duo of "The L-Word" actress Leisha Hailey and singer-producer Camila Grey. But the music inside the package wears all the marks of a vanity project.

Recalling slick-produced 1990s acts like Garbage (no surprise given Hailey's history with Lilith Fair band the Murmurs) Uh Huh Her has an interesting overall sound — menacing guitars paired with ethereal, heavily effected vocals and plenty of synth sheen. The weakness here isn't style; it's substance.

Though "Common Reaction" opens strong, it relies too much on texture to sustain an entire 11-song set. The single and first track, "Not a Love Song," is an inspired uptempo tune with a big chorus, followed by a few interesting slow-rockers, like the pretty, acoustic piano-laden "Wait Another Day." Beyond that, though Hailey and Grey clearly share a singular vision with producer Al Clay (Pixies, Blur), the songwriting just isn't there. Especially on slow numbers like "Everyone" and "Away From Here," which would both be suitable for a romantic comedy montage.

It's obvious "Common Reaction" is a frontloaded, superficial affair.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: The distorted guitar and forthright vocals on "Explode" make for the edgiest moment on the album.

By CRISTINA BLACK
For The Associated Press

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